8 Best IDEs for JavaFX and Swing of 2026

1. 1

   IntelliJ IDEA

   JetBrains' Java IDE with a bundled JavaFX plugin, an embedded Scene Builder tab and a Swing UI Designer plugin.

   9.0overall

   JetBrains' Java IDE with a bundled JavaFX plugin, an embedded Scene Builder tab and a Swing UI Designer plugin.

   Best forJava developers building JavaFX apps who want FXML editing, Scene Builder and packaging in one IDE

   Adoption data

   27.1%In the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, 27.1% of all respondents said they used IntelliJ IDEA regularly, the highest share of any Java-focused IDE.

   Stack Overflow, Technology, 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey (2025): “Notepad++ 27.4% IntelliJ IDEA 27.1%”

   IntelliJ IDEA has the most complete JavaFX workflow in a single IDE. The bundled JavaFX plugin adds a JavaFX generator to the New Project wizard that produces a configured sample app, and it brings code completion, search, navigation and refactoring to .fxml and JavaFX .css files. When you open an .fxml file, a Scene Builder tab sits next to the Text tab; if the project lacks it, the IDE offers to download the Scene Builder Kit. For distribution, the Maven and Gradle projects it creates include jlink tasks, which matters because JavaFX left the JDK in Java 11. Swing is covered by the Swing UI Designer plugin, which builds dialogs and groups of controls that coexist with hand-written components. Two caveats: the Swing designer is an extra plugin, and JetBrains documents that its forms need extra setup to compile under Maven or Gradle. The Ultimate subscription price showed only in euros from our location, so the USD figure is pending.

   Strengths

   • +One IDE covers JavaFX and Swing, with a visual designer for each
   • +The JavaFX wizard generates a configured sample application that runs on first try
   • +Can also open .fxml files in a standalone Scene Builder install via a settings path

   Limitations

   • −The Swing UI Designer is a separate plugin you have to install and enable
   • −JetBrains warns that UI Designer forms fail with a NullPointerException under Maven or Gradle builds unless form compilation is configured
   • −USD pricing for the Ultimate subscription could not be confirmed from this location

   SummaryIntelliJ IDEA is the best choice for JavaFX developers because it puts FXML completion, a Scene Builder tab and jlink packaging in one IDE. Swing teams that build with Maven or Gradle should plan the extra UI Designer setup.

2. 2

   Apache NetBeans

   The Apache Software Foundation's free Java IDE, with a built-in Swing GUI Builder.

   8.4overall

   The Apache Software Foundation's free Java IDE, with a built-in Swing GUI Builder.

   Best forSwing developers who want a drag-and-drop form designer in a free IDE

   Adoption data

   18 millionThe Apache NetBeans project reports more than 18 million downloads of the NetBeans IDE to date and over 800,000 participating developers.

   Apache NetBeans, About Apache NetBeans (2026): “With over 18 million downloads of the NetBeans IDE to date, and over 800,000 participating developers”

   Apache NetBeans is the classic answer for Swing because its GUI Builder ships in the IDE. The official tutorial explains that the builder lets you lay out forms by placing components where you want them, with automatic snapping and visual feedback, so you do not have to master layout managers first. Each form has a Design view and a Source view on the same class, and the builder writes the layout code for you. NetBeans is free for commercial and non-commercial use under the Apache license, and the project counts more than 18 million downloads. The NetBeans Platform, a framework for Swing applications, gives larger desktop projects a module system and window management to build on. JavaFX is listed among the supported technologies, and the OpenJFX docs include NetBeans setup guides, but FXML design still happens in Scene Builder. The project notes that it is reviewing its tutorials, so some screenshots and guides are dated.

   Strengths

   • +Free for commercial use under the Apache license
   • +The GUI Builder is part of the IDE, with no plugin to install
   • +Runs on any operating system that supports Java, including Windows, Linux, macOS and BSD

   Limitations

   • −Smaller user base than IntelliJ IDEA or VS Code
   • −The project says it is still reviewing its tutorials, so some GUI docs are older
   • −No JavaFX visual designer of its own; FXML design needs Scene Builder

   SummaryApache NetBeans is the best free IDE for Swing because its GUI Builder is built in and generates the layout code for you. JavaFX developers get project support but still need Scene Builder for visual FXML work.

3. 3

   Visual Studio Code

   Microsoft's free editor, which runs JavaFX and Swing projects through the Extension Pack for Java.

   8.3overall

   Microsoft's free editor, which runs JavaFX and Swing projects through the Extension Pack for Java.

   Best fordevelopers who already use VS Code and write JavaFX or Swing code by hand

   Adoption data

   75.9%Visual Studio Code was the most used development environment in the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, used regularly by 75.9% of all respondents across every language.

   Stack Overflow, Technology, 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey (2025): “All Respondents Visual Studio Code 75.9%”

   Visual Studio Code handles Java GUI code well but does not design it visually. Microsoft's guide to GUI applications says the Extension Pack for Java includes everything needed. For JavaFX, the Java: Create Java Project command offers a JavaFX option that scaffolds a project from a Maven archetype, and you run it with the javafx:run goal from the Maven Explorer; the generated project needs at least JDK 11. Swing works by default with no setup, while AWT types are hidden from completion until you enable AWT development in the Java Help Center. There is no form designer in the documentation, so layouts are written by hand or designed in Scene Builder and edited as FXML. The upside is reach and price: VS Code is free, open source and was used by 75.9% of respondents in the 2025 Stack Overflow survey. It fits developers who already live in VS Code and prefer code-first layouts.

   Strengths

   • +Free and open source
   • +The most used editor in the 2025 Stack Overflow survey, so help is easy to find
   • +One editor for Java GUI code and any other languages in the project

   Limitations

   • −Microsoft's Java GUI docs describe no visual form designer for Swing or JavaFX
   • −JavaFX run guidance in the docs only applies to Maven projects
   • −AWT types are hidden from completion until you enable AWT development

   SummaryVisual Studio Code is the best choice for developers who write JavaFX or Swing layouts in code because it is free and runs both with the Extension Pack for Java. Anyone who wants drag-and-drop form design should pick NetBeans or IntelliJ IDEA instead.

4. 4

   Gluon Scene Builder

   Gluon's free, open source drag-and-drop designer that generates FXML for JavaFX interfaces.

   8.2overall

   Gluon's free, open source drag-and-drop designer that generates FXML for JavaFX interfaces.

   Best forJavaFX developers and designers who want to build layouts visually and keep them in FXML

   Adoption data

   over a millionGluon says Scene Builder, its free visual designer for JavaFX, has been downloaded more than a million times.

   Gluon, Scene Builder (2026): “free and open source, downloaded over a million times”

   Gluon Scene Builder is the visual designer most JavaFX projects end up using, whatever the IDE. Gluon calls it the de facto visual designer for JavaFX: you drag and drop controls, and it writes clean FXML that developers wire to controller classes. Keeping design and logic in separate files lets a designer and a developer work on the same screen without stepping on each other. It works with the official JavaFX controls, community libraries and Gluon's own Mobile, Desktop and CloudLink offerings. Version 26.0.0 shipped on April 17, 2026, with installers for Windows, macOS on Intel and Apple Silicon, and Linux RPM and DEB packages, plus a Scene Builder Kit JAR that IDEs embed. It is free and BSD licensed, and Gluon says it has been downloaded more than a million times. The limits follow from its scope: it designs JavaFX only and is not an IDE, so pair it with IntelliJ IDEA, NetBeans, Eclipse or VS Code.

   Strengths

   • +Free and open source under the BSD license
   • +Version 26.0.0 was released on April 17, 2026, so it is actively maintained
   • +Commercial support, training and consulting are available from Gluon

   Limitations

   • −Designs JavaFX only; it does not build Swing forms
   • −A designer, not an IDE: you still need an IDE for controller code, builds and debugging
   • −Separate app unless your IDE embeds the Scene Builder Kit

   SummaryGluon Scene Builder is the best visual designer for JavaFX because it is free, BSD licensed and generates FXML that any IDE can use. Pair it with an IDE for the controller code and builds.

5. 5

   Eclipse IDE

   The Eclipse Foundation's free, open source Java IDE, which gains Swing and SWT design through WindowBuilder.

   8.1overall

   The Eclipse Foundation's free, open source Java IDE, which gains Swing and SWT design through WindowBuilder.

   Best forEclipse users who want free Swing or SWT design inside the IDE they already run

   Adoption data

   7.1%In the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, 7.1% of all respondents said they used Eclipse regularly.

   Stack Overflow, Technology, 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey (2025): “Rider 7.1% Eclipse 7.1%”

   Eclipse IDE is the free full IDE for teams already invested in the Eclipse ecosystem, and its GUI story runs through plugins. The Eclipse IDE for Java Developers package bundles the Java development tools, a Git client, Maven and Gradle integration, and ships for Windows, macOS and Linux on x86_64 and AArch64. It does not list a GUI designer, so Swing work starts by installing WindowBuilder from the Eclipse Marketplace, which adds both a Swing Designer and an SWT Designer. That SWT support is unique among the tools here and matters for anyone building Eclipse RCP style apps. For JavaFX, the OpenJFX project publishes Eclipse setup guides for modular and non-modular projects, and FXML design happens in Scene Builder. JFormDesigner also ships an Eclipse plugin for teams that need MigLayout. Eclipse is free under EPL 2.0 and was used by 7.1% of respondents in the 2025 Stack Overflow survey.

   Strengths

   • +Free and open source under the Eclipse Public License 2.0
   • +Only mainstream IDE with an SWT designer, via WindowBuilder
   • +Plugin ecosystem through the Eclipse Marketplace

   Limitations

   • −The Java Developers package lists no GUI designer, so WindowBuilder is a separate install
   • −No built-in JavaFX designer; FXML design needs Scene Builder
   • −Used by 7.1% of developers in the 2025 Stack Overflow survey, far fewer than IntelliJ IDEA

   SummaryEclipse IDE is the best choice for teams that build Swing or SWT interfaces in Eclipse because WindowBuilder adds a free visual designer for both. JavaFX developers will get a smoother setup in IntelliJ IDEA.

6. 6

   Eclipse WindowBuilder

   A free, two-way Swing and SWT GUI designer that plugs into Eclipse and Eclipse-based IDEs.

   7.6overall

   A free, two-way Swing and SWT GUI designer that plugs into Eclipse and Eclipse-based IDEs.

   Best forEclipse users who want Swing forms that compile without any designer library

   Adoption data

   6177The Eclipse Marketplace recorded 6,177 installs of WindowBuilder in October 2026, ranking it 4th of 641 listed solutions that month.

   Eclipse Foundation, WindowBuilder, Eclipse Marketplace (2026): “October 2026 4/641 6177 90”

   WindowBuilder is the free visual designer that turns Eclipse into a Swing and SWT form builder. It combines Swing Designer and SWT Designer, and the project describes it as a two-way designer: you drag controls onto a form, set properties in a property editor and add event handlers, and it generates Java code, while it can also read and reverse-engineer most hand-written GUI code. Because it parses the source into an abstract syntax tree, you can edit anywhere in the file and use most refactorings without breaking the designer. Generated code needs no extra libraries, so the app compiles and runs without WindowBuilder installed, which keeps your project free of designer lock-in. It installs from the Eclipse Marketplace, where it logged 6,177 installs in October 2026, and works in Eclipse-based IDEs too. The limits are scope: Eclipse only, and no JavaFX support.

   Strengths

   • +Free and open source, maintained under the Eclipse Foundation
   • +No runtime dependency: generated code runs without WindowBuilder installed
   • +Supports free-form code edits and most refactorings such as renaming and splitting methods

   Limitations

   • −Runs only inside Eclipse and Eclipse-based IDEs
   • −No JavaFX designer
   • −Installed separately from the standard Eclipse Java package

   SummaryEclipse WindowBuilder is the best free Swing and SWT designer for Eclipse users because its generated code runs without any designer library. It does not design JavaFX screens.

7. 7

   Cursor

   An AI code editor built on the VS Code codebase, with paid plans from $8 per month.

   7.3overall

   An AI code editor built on the VS Code codebase, with paid plans from $8 per month.

   Best forVS Code users who want AI agents and chat while writing Java GUI code

   Adoption data

   17.9%In the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, 17.9% of all respondents said they used Cursor regularly.

   Stack Overflow, Technology, 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey (2025): “Vim 24.3% Cursor 17.9%”

   Cursor is on this list for developers who want AI help with Java GUI code rather than a visual designer. Cursor says it is based on the VS Code codebase, and a one-click VS Code Import moves your extensions, themes and settings across. Extensions come from the Open VSX registry through Cursor's own marketplace proxy, which runs malware and supply-chain checks first; the docs warn that not every Microsoft Marketplace extension is listed on Open VSX, so check your Java extensions before switching. There is a free plan with limited agent and chat requests, Plus at $8 per month, Premium at $30, Super at $100 and Ultra at $200, and Teams from $30 per user. For JavaFX and Swing, Cursor offers the same code-first workflow as VS Code, with no form designer, so pair it with Scene Builder for FXML. It was used by 17.9% of respondents in the 2025 Stack Overflow survey.

   Strengths

   • +Familiar VS Code layout and settings for developers moving over
   • +Free plan available, with paid plans from $8 per month
   • +Used by 17.9% of developers in the 2025 Stack Overflow survey

   Limitations

   • −No visual designer for Swing or JavaFX
   • −Cursor's docs say not every Microsoft Marketplace extension is on Open VSX
   • −Heavier AI use needs the $30 Premium plan or higher

   SummaryCursor is the best choice for VS Code users who want AI help writing Swing or JavaFX code because it imports VS Code settings and costs $8 per month on Plus. It has no visual designer, so pair it with Scene Builder.

8. 8

   JFormDesigner

   FormDev's commercial Swing GUI designer, available standalone and as plugins for Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA and NetBeans.

   6.8overall

   FormDev's commercial Swing GUI designer, available standalone and as plugins for Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA and NetBeans.

   Best forSwing teams that rely on MigLayout or JGoodies FormLayout and want one designer across IDEs

   JFormDesigner is the specialist pick for Swing teams whose layouts outgrow the free designers. It supports MigLayout, JGoodies FormLayout, GroupLayout (Free Design, as in the NetBeans GUI Builder), TableLayout and GridBagLayout, with row and column headers you can drag to move whole rows and their contents. It runs as a standalone app or as plugins for Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA and NetBeans, and one license key covers every edition, so mixed-IDE teams share the same designer. Localization is built in: new forms can push every string into a resource bundle automatically. You can generate Java code or load .jfd files at runtime with a BSD-licensed library. JavaFX design is arriving in JFormDesigner 9, which FormDev labels early access and not feature complete. Licenses are perpetual per developer, with 1, 2 or 3 years of upgrades; the pricing page showed only PLN from our location, so the USD price is pending.

   Strengths

   • +Perpetual license per developer, usable on several computers and operating systems
   • +One designer works the same way in Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA and NetBeans
   • +Separate commercial, non-commercial and educational licenses, with 5% to 10% volume discounts

   Limitations

   • −Paid, while NetBeans and WindowBuilder are free
   • −JavaFX support is early access and not feature complete, per FormDev
   • −Pricing page showed only PLN from our location, so the USD price is pending

   SummaryJFormDesigner is the best choice for Swing teams using MigLayout or JGoodies FormLayout because it designs those layouts visually in Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA and NetBeans with one license. Most hobby and student projects will be fine with the free NetBeans GUI Builder.

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